May 2013

May 29, 2013

The northwest regional chapter of the Porsche Club of America staged a show at the XXX Root-Beer drive-in, in Issaquah, Washington, Sunday, April 28th. About 100 cars showed up, despite the fact that during the three hours for this event, sometimes the rain was heavy. That led for more time, inside the restaurant; talking cars. The drive-in was built in 1968 and is one of just two XXX Root-Beer drive-in restaurants left in America.

A line-up of Porsche 914s, which was available from 1970 through '76 model years. Not all of these were stock; one included a 1974 model retrofitted with a 2002 Subaru engine. (Photo (c) by Terry Parkhurst)

That didn't seem to dampen anyone's spirits or enthusiasm as enthusiasts gathered around cars and exchanged the history of how they restored their cars,in some cases; or modified them, in others.

One of the most interesting cars there was a 1967 Porsche 912. It had a sign on the windshield that said, in large letters: "Barn Find". Underneath, the anonymous owner had explained that, it had been picked up, just two weeks ago, and hadn't been moved until that point in 17 years. The engine reportedly hadn't been turned over, in that entire time. Somehow, the owner got the engine running. He (or she) ended the tale by writing, "Now the project begins."

This recently reconditioned 1967 Porsche 912 was brought out of long-term storage, after 17 years, by an owner who posted a sign on the windshield which stated, "Now the project begins." (Photo (c) by Terry Parkhurst)

So it just goes to prove that you don't necessarily need a lot of money to drive a Porsche, even a vintage one, just determination and an ability to bust your knuckles. -- Terry Parkhurst